Keywords: College,Student,Substance,Use
Attending college offers an environment conducive to new experiences and opportunities, personal development and expression, and the formation of lifelong relationships. Nevertheless, many undergraduate students participate in potentially unsafe and risky health practices, leaving them at an increased risk for hypokinetic diseases, alcohol and substance use, mental health problems, and academic struggles. Recent studies indicate that approximately 40 percent of college students consume hazardous amounts of alcohol (five or more drinks for men, four or more for women) at least once every two weeks. Additionally, almost one third of college students reported marijuana use, while nearly twenty percent reported the use of other illegal substances during the past year. These key factors in college student use and associated problems often center on social access to alcohol and drugs and perceived norms. Collectively, these factors warrant the development and implementation of effective prevention and health promotion within our colleges. During the Fall 2017 semester, a college student health survey was administered to SUNY Buffalo State undergraduate students. The survey measured college students’ participation in risky health behaviors and their associated risks with using alcohol and other drugs. This presentation describes initial findings concerning the role of access and normative beliefs on substance use patterns among students. More specifically, this analysis of key social access and norms will offer further direction and insight into designing future prevention efforts.